President Barrow with members of the Commission
By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow has appointed Yankuba Sonko, a former interior minister and police chief, as chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, a body tasked with strengthening governance and public service delivery at the municipal level.
Mr. Sonko, who served as inspector general of police from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017, later held the post of minister of the interior. His appointment places a veteran security official at the helm of an institution central to the administration of local councils.
He was sworn in on Monday at the State House alongside other members of the commission: Abdoulie Modou Sallah, Saffie Lowe Ceesay, and Bahai Hydara.
The Local Government Service Commission is responsible for overseeing the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of local government staff, as well as ensuring their welfare, with the broader goal of improving efficiency and professionalism in public administration.
In remarks at the ceremony, President Barrow said the appointments were based on “integrity and competence” and urged the commissioners to carry out their duties with diligence and impartiality.
“Your selection is a result of your integrity and competence; therefore, the nation expects diligence, impartiality, and efficacy in the delivery of your mandates. We are confident that you will deliver and make both commissions fit for purpose,” he said.
The president added that while the government would provide support, the effectiveness of the commission would depend on its commitment to the national interest.
Mr. Sonko, speaking on behalf of the commissioners, said the body would operate strictly within its legal mandate and adhere to principles of fairness and due process.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we will at all times act within our powers and jurisdiction and in accordance with specified procedural guidelines founded on principles of right to fair hearing and rule against bias,” he said.
During the same ceremony, President Barrow also presided over the swearing-in of members of the Lands Commission. That body will be chaired by Raymond Sock, with Kebba Njie, Juldeh Ceesay, Abdoulie Manneh, and Baboucarr Mbaye serving as members.
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